The economic slowdown has made construction companies eager to bid on local government projects, and the lower prices are good news for taxpayers. ...more

September 17, 2008

Local businesses are likely to get an advantage over out-of-county businesses in getting Highlands County government contracts. ...more

August 24, 2008

County commissioners didn't need another reminder of the bleakness of the Hernando County economy. ...more

July 23, 2008

Says market will improve when existing homes are sold. ...more

July 22, 2008

I have been trying to get the city of Sebring to correct our street signs for over a year. We are a street, and the year-old signs say we are an avenue. We are the only place around where an avenue crosses an avenue. I cannot get the city to get off their seats, but I recall the pictures of King Carl Cool in your paper with real street signs wasted at taxpayers' expense, saying "Carl Cool Avenue." What a crock! ...more

July 6, 2008

Wouldn't it be nice if we could just wish this bad economy away? Actually, that's not too far from the truth – at lease locally. Much of what ails the Highlands County economy is consumer confidence, not any one particular factor beyond our control with the possible exception of gas prices. William Pittenger, senior vice president and chief real estate economist with Seacoast National Bank, recently told members of the Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce that the local economy isn't as bad as a lot of people believe, and that with a better outlook, it could turn around much quicker. Pittenger is right about that. Our economy depends on consumers feeling confident to purchase goods. If they are scared jobs might not be there tomorrow, consumers are much less likely to spend. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. ...more

June 18, 2008

Highlands County Commissioner Guy Maxcy wants his fellow commissioners to consider an economic stimulus package for the local business community. We like that idea, and are game for anything that eases the desperate situation a growing number of businesses are in. We fear, though, that there is little that can be done on this level. Let's hope that isn't the case. ...more

February 20, 2008

SEBRING — Ever since a citizens advisory committee on impact fees was proposed, one rumor has swirled around it – that some members would recommend suspending impact fees as a financial incentive to kick start the sluggish building industry. That rumor never was verified, but it doesn't matter now. Suspending impact fees, and suspending building permit fees, too, will be discussed openly at the top level of county government as a means to lift up the local economy. County Commissioner Guy Maxcy guaranteed that will happen Tuesday when he brought the idea up at the county commission meeting. ...more

February 19, 2008

Daytona is the focal point of major-league racing this time of year, but for dirt short-track racing in the South, it's East Bay Raceway Park. ...more

January 29, 2008